So far, users are currently five times less likely to be running Windows 8 as they were Windows 7 at the same point before its launch. The new statistics come from research firm Net Applications and indicate a lukewarm reception of the Windows 8 operating system by consumers.

Windows 7 was a follow-up to Windows Vista, which was one of the more maligned versions of Microsoft's operating system in recent years. Windows 7 lured many upgraders not only from Vista, but from the older XP operating system as well. Windows 8 doesn't have the luxury of following an unloved version of Windows like Windows 7.

The statistics offered by Net Applications only count computer users who installed preview versions of Windows 8 and preview versions of Windows 7. The statistics are believed to provide a clear indication of consumer interest in the operating system rather than a desire or need for new computer hardware.

In September, only 0.33% of all computers using Windows relied on Windows 8. That works out to 33 out of every 10,000 Windows machines using Windows 8. By the end of September 2009, with very similar time remaining before the launch of Windows 7, the operating system accounted for 1.64% of all Windows PCs working out to 164 out of every 10,000 units.

Analysts are beginning to believe that Microsoft won't see the uptick in OS sales that it hoped for with Windows 8. Gartner recently advised clients that it predicts the operating system would top out at only 20 to 25% share in the corporate environment.

I haven't loaded the RTM yet I just got the hardware together for it but it seems that WMC will be available again for Win 8 on launch (Oct 26th). I recall hearing the same as you and yelling NOoooo but someone told me Microsoft changed their stance and its a download now. They were gonna charge $12.95 for it but decided to make it free.

Totally agree WMC as a DVR is great. Some of the TV networks made it easy to access content like Big Brother and a bunch of other shows in WMC but now you have to go to their websites for the streaming content.

No haven't tried the free cable plugin for XBMC Ive seen some very interesting things on it like torrent tv which might be interesting. I haven't used it much since the X-Box 1 days.

From what I understand there are No changes to it since Win 7 because its not popular. I really have no problem just running Windows 7 with WMC if needed especially since nothing changed in WMC with Windows 8.

What else I liked about WMC is it synced shows well with my Phone it recoded it to a format that was small and also that it works with the X-Box 360.